Syllabus Contents

Course Description

This course is an introduction to descriptive and inferential statistics. Topics include collection of data, numerical and graphical descriptive methods, linear correlation and regression, probability concepts and distributions, confidence intervals, and hypothesis testing for means and proportions.

Prerequisite: Grade of C or higher in MATH 104, or a score of 20 or higher on the math portion of the ACT or a score of 480 or higher on the math portion of SAT, or a passing grade on the Columbia College math placement exam.

Proctored Exams: Midterm and Final

Textbooks

Textbook and MyLabsPlus Access

MyLabsPlus

If you do not have access to MyLabsPlus when the course begins, the publisher provides a temporary log-in; however, you must procure access within the first two weeks of the course. You may print off Guided Notebook pages using this temporary link until your bundle with permanent access arrives. There is no traditional print textbook or ebook with this course. The 300 page Guided Notebook becomes your print textbook.

If you buy the Guided Notebook from a source other than MBS Direct, you will still need a MyLabsPlus access code.
MyLabsPlus access codes can be purchased separately through the MyLabsPlus link in the course. Access codes that come packaged with textbooks from sources
other than MBS Direct are not guaranteed to work.

Calculator

A graphing calculator is required. The TI-83 or TI-84 series graphing calculator is strongly recommended, as this calculator will likely be required for other math courses. Usage instructions in the course are provided for these calculators only. It is possible to purchase the calculator from MBS Direct.

MBS Information

Textbooks for the course may be ordered from MBS Direct. You can order

Course Overview

In this course we will study the process of statistics, collecting, organizing, summarizing, and analyzing data in order to draw conclusions and answer questions. We will also provide a measure of how confident we are in any conclusions we make. In short, our goal is to learn how to use data to make informed decisions about the world around us.

Technology Requirements

Participation in this course will require the basic technology for all online classes at Columbia College:

Describe and explain the concept of a sampling distribution and the statement of the Central Limit Theorem.

Compute point estimates and interval estimates for a mean or proportion.

Determine the sample size necessary for estimating a mean or proportion to within a given margin of error.

Test hypotheses for a mean or proportion using P-values.

UG

Grading

Grading Scale

Grade

Points

Percent

A

900-1000

90-100%

B

800-899

80-89%

C

700-799

70-79%

D

600-699

60-69%

F

0-599

0-59%

Grade Weights

Assignment Category

Points

Percent

Discussion

50

5%

Homework

200

20%

Quizzes

150

15%

Midterm Exam

300

30%

Final Exam

300

30%

Total

1000

100%

Schedule of Due Dates

Week 1

Assignment

Points

Due

Discussion 1: Math Post/Reply

6

Friday/Sunday

Discussion: Introduction

2

Sunday

MLP Homework

-

Quiz 1

25

Week 2

Assignment

Points

Due

Discussion 2: Math Post/Reply

6

Friday/Sunday

MLP Homework

-

Sunday

Quiz 2

25

Proctor Information

N/A

Week 3

Assignment

Points

Due

Discussion 3: Math Post/Reply

6

Friday/Sunday

MLP Homework

-

Sunday

Quiz 3

25

Week 4

Assignment

Points

Due

Discussion 4: Math Post/Reply

6

Friday/Sunday

Quiz 4

-

Sunday

Midterm Exam

300

Week 5

Assignment

Points

Due

Discussion 5: Math Post/Reply

6

Friday/Sunday

MLP Homework

-

Sunday

Quiz 5

25

Week 6

Assignment

Points

Due

Discussion 6: Math Post/Reply

6

Friday/Sunday

MLP Homework

-

Sunday

Quiz 6

25

Week 7

Assignment

Points

Due

Discussion 7: Math Post/Reply

6

Friday/Sunday

MLP Homework

-

Sunday

Quiz 7

25

Week 8

Assignment

Points

Due

Discussion 8: Math Post/Reply

6

Friday/Saturday

MLP Homework

200

Saturday

Quiz 8

-

Final Exam

300

Total Points: 1000

Assignment Overview

Discussions

You will be expected to actively participate in the discussion each week throughout the course. While actively reading the textbook and Content in our online course are the foundation for the mathematical knowledge, additional learning happens through our discussion of the concepts and the ideas behind the calculations on the discussion board.

Each week you will choose one discussion question from Content to post in the Discussion area of our course. Effective posts will lead the reader through your thought processes and explain key ideas or where difficulties might arise. The goal is to look for patterns in the problems, provide thoughtful analysis and synthesis, and solve problems involving multiple concepts. This will help you generalize from the particular problems to rules that apply in similar situations.

You will also respond to at least one of your classmates’ posts. Your response should provide more than “Good post” or “I got the same answer.” Ask questions about areas that are confusing to you or where you would like to see more details about the process. You could also provide an alternate conclusion or solution process.

Your initial posting should be posted by Friday; responses to classmates should be posted by Sunday each week. The expectations and grading rubric for discussions are outlined in more detail in the course Content area.

MyLabsPlus

Guided Notebook

There is no traditional print textbook or ebook with this course. The 300 page Guided Notebook becomes your print textbook with your help. It is recommended that you fill it out as you are completing the Interactive Assignments in MLP. Completion of the Notebook will help reinforce key concepts and the Notebook will be a great review resource for you. You will not be turning in the Notebook for grading.

Interactive Assignments

Interactive assignments in MyLabsPlus consist of readings and videos that introduce course concepts. The assignments include questions that test your comprehension. You can check each answer on the questions and rework them to improve your score. You must earn at least 70% on the interactive assignment in order to access the associated homework set. However, scores on the interactive assignments are not included in your course grade.

Homework

Each week you will have access to homework problems in MLP from each section covered. You will gain access to these only after successfully earning 70% or higher on the interactive assignment. You may rework each interactive problem and each homework assignment until its due date. You may continue to work problems for additional practice after the due date; however, homework completed or redone after the due date will incur a 10% late penalty.

MyLabsPlus provides tools to assist you with the homework such as Show me an Example or Help Me Solve It. If you use these tools, you will have to complete a similar problem without using the tools in order to receive credit for the problem. You may rework each homework exercise until you get it correct by selecting “similar exercise” at the bottom of the screen. It is recommended that you practice until you feel very comfortable with the problems.

Note: Homework grades will not be transferred until the end of the session. Your final score at the end of the session is the one that will be reported in the gradebook and is recorded as a percentage of the 200 points possible for homework assignments.

Quizzes

There are quizzes in Weeks 1-3 and 5-7 are each worth 25 points. Quizzes are timed (60 minutes), multiple choice, and computer graded. You will have 5 attempts on each quiz during the quiz period (with the highest score recorded), so use each attempt to improve your understanding of the concepts. The quizzes in Weeks 4 and 8 are for practice only and do not count toward your final grade.

Exams

There will be a Midterm exam covering materials presented in weeks 1-3. The Final Exam is comprehensive, covering materials presented in the entire course. Both exams will be available in D2L, and must be taken in a proctored environment.

There will be an optional Midterm Exam Review Quiz and a Final Exam Review Quiz. You may take them an unlimited number of times to practice for the actual midterm and final exams.

Course Outline

Click on each week to view details about the activities scheduled for that week.

Select one question from those listed in this week’s Content to answer and explain. Respond to at least one other student’s post.

MLP Homework

Chapters 3 & 4

Your homework grade will be recorded at the end of the class, as a percentage of the 200 points possible, based on the points earned in MLP.

Quiz 2

Take Quiz 2 in your D2L course. You can attempt it up to 5 times before 11:59 pm Sunday. Your highest score will be recorded.

Proctor InformationSubmit your proctor form to the appropriate Dropbox folder by the end of the week. Remember to “Save” the form before placing it in Dropbox. See the Content area for more information.

Select one question from those listed in this week’s Content to answer and explain. Respond to at least one other student’s post.

MLP Homework

Chapters 8 & 9

Your homework grade will be recorded at the end of the class, as a percentage of the 200 points possible, based on the points earned in MLP.

Quiz 6

Take Quiz 6 in your D2L course. You can attempt it up to 5 times before 11:59 pm Sunday. Your highest score will be recorded.

Course EvaluationPlease evaluate the course. You will have an opportunity to evaluate the course near the end of the session. A link sent to your CougarMail will allow you to access the evaluation. Please note that these evaluations are provided so that I can improve the course, find out what students perceive to be its strengths and weaknesses, and in general assess the success of the course. Please do take the time to fill this out.

Select one question from those listed in this week’s Content are or a question from the Final Exam Review Quiz to answer and explain. Respond to at least one other student’s post.

MLP Homework

Review previous homework in preparation for the final exam.

Quiz 8

This quiz is an optional review. It does not count towards your grade.

Final Exam

This exam is comprehensive (covers the entire semester) and is given online in a proctored environment. The exam will be available beginning Tuesday morning and must be completed by 11:59 pm Saturday, the last day of the course. It is worth 300 points.

Course Policies

Student Conduct

All Columbia College students, whether enrolled in a land-based or online course, are responsible for behaving in a manner
consistent with Columbia College's Student Conduct Code and
Acceptable Use Policy. Students violating these policies will be
referred to the office of Student Affairs and/or the office of Academic Affairs for possible disciplinary action. The Student
Code of Conduct and the Computer Use Policy for students can be found in the Columbia College Student Handbook. The
Handbook is available online; you can also obtain a copy
by calling the Student Affairs office (Campus Life) at 573-875-7400. The teacher maintains the right to manage a positive
learning environment, and all students must adhere to the conventions of online etiquette.

Plagiarism

Your grade will be based in large part on the originality of your ideas and your written presentation of these ideas. Presenting
the words, ideas, or expression of another in any form as your own is plagiarism. Students who fail to properly give credit for
information contained in their written work (papers, journals, exams, etc.) are violating the intellectual property rights of the
original author. For proper citation of the original authors, you should reference the appropriate publication manual for your
degree program or course (APA, MLA, etc.). Violations are taken seriously in higher education and may result in a failing grade on
the assignment, a grade of "F" for the course, or dismissal from the College.

Collaboration conducted between students without prior permission from the instructor is considered plagiarism and will be treated
as such. Spouses and roommates taking the same course should be particularly careful.

All required papers may be submitted for textual similarity review to Turnitin.com for the detection of plagiarism. All submitted
papers may be included in the Turnitin.com reference database for the purpose of detecting plagiarism. This service is subject to the
Terms and Conditions of Use posted on the Turnitin.com site.

Non-Discrimination

There will be no discrimination on the basis of sex, race, color, national origin, sexual orientation, religion, ideology, political
affiliation, veteran status, age, physical handicap, or marital status.

Student Accessibility Resources

Students with documented disabilities who may need academic services for this course are required to register with the office of Student Accessibility Resources. Until the student has been cleared through this office, accommodations do not have to be granted. If you are a student who has a documented disability, it is important for you to read the entire syllabus as soon as possible. The structure or the content of the course may make an accommodation not feasible. Student Accessibility Resources is located in Student Affairs in AHSC 215 and can be reached by phone at (573) 875-7626 or email at sar@ccis.edu.

Online Participation

You are expected to read the assigned texts and participate in the discussions and other course activities each week. Assignments
should be posted by the due dates stated on the grading schedule in your syllabus. If an emergency arises that prevents you from
participating in class, please let your instructor know as soon as possible.

Attendance Policy

Attendance for a week will be counted as having submitted any assigned activity for which points are earned. Attendance for the week is based upon the date work is submitted. A class week is defined as the period of time between Monday and Sunday (except for week 8, when the work and the course will end on Saturday at midnight.) The course and system deadlines are based on the Central Time Zone.

Cougar Email

All students are provided a CougarMail account when they enroll in classes at Columbia College. You are responsible for monitoring
email from that account for important messages from the College and from your instructor. You may forward your Cougar email account to
another account; however, the College cannot be held responsible for breaches in security or service interruptions with other email
providers.

Students should use email for private messages to the instructor and other students. The class discussions are for public messages
so the class members can each see what others have to say about any given topic and respond.

Late Assignment Policy

An online class requires regular participation and a commitment to your instructor and your classmates to regularly engage in the reading, discussion and writing assignments. Although most of the online communication for this course is asynchronous, you must be able to commit to the schedule of work for the class for the next eight weeks. You must keep up with the schedule of reading and writing to successfully complete the class.

No late discussion posts will be accepted.

No late quiz submissions will be accepted.

A 10% late penalty is applied to all MyLabsPlus Homework problems completed after the weekly deadline.

Course Evaluation

You will have an opportunity to evaluate the course near the end of the session. A link will be sent to your CougarMail that will
allow you to access the evaluation. Be assured that the evaluations are anonymous and that your instructor will not be able to see
them until after final grades are submitted.

Proctor Policy

Students taking courses that require proctored exams must submit their completed proctor request forms to their instructors by the
end of the second week of the session. Proctors located at Columbia College campuses are automatically approved. The use of ProctorU
services is also automatically approved. The instructor of each course will consider any other choice of proctor for approval or
denial. Additional proctor choices the instructor will consider include: public librarians, high school or college instructors, high
school or college counseling services, commanding officers, education service officers, and other proctoring services. Personal
friends, family members, athletic coaches and direct supervisors are not acceptable.

Additional Resources

Orientation for New Students

This course is offered online, using course management software provided by Desire2Learn and Columbia College. The course user guide provides details about taking an online course at Columbia College. You may also want to visit the course demonstration to view a sample course before this one opens.

Technical Support

If you have problems accessing the course or posting your assignments, contact your instructor, the Columbia College Helpdesk, or the D2L Helpdesk for assistance. Contact information is also available within the online course environment.

Online Tutoring

Smarthinking is a free online tutoring service available to all Columbia College students. Smarthinking provides real-time online tutoring and homework help for Math, English, and Writing. Smarthinking also provides access to live tutorials in writing and math, as well as a full range of study resources, including writing manuals, sample problems, and study skills manuals. You can access the service from wherever you have a connection to the Internet. I encourage you to take advantage of this free service provided by the college.